On April 12th, 2008, I went to see a performance at Clowes Memorial Hall even though it was strictly forbidden. Forbidden Broadway that is. Get used to the some-pun-intended humor now if you plan to see the show in the future.

Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit is musical mayhem that mimics and mocks Broadway's who's who list. Written by then unemployed actor Gerard Alessandrini, the performance first took the stage in 1982. Since that time it has wowed both critics and audiences and has become New York's longest running musical comedy revue.

Forbidden Broadway is updated regularly to include new victims as well as offering a fresh look at some old favorites. It has had several editions, countless revisions, three NYC performance spaces, several national and international tours, and thousands of special performances. With its huge success and long run, this show better watch it or it could end like its On-Broadway counterparts.

Victims of this year's fun with puns were Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Les Miserables (Less Miserable), Hello Dolly, RENT, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Avenue Q, Fiddler on the Roof, Cats, and Oklahoma to name a few. If you haven't seen the coordinating Broadway shows you'll get the simple snubs but they are far funnier if you've seen the scenes.

Forbidden Broadway has received multiple awards including Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards, an Obie, and a special 2006 Tony Award for Excellence in the Theatre. And "as long as Broadway and Hollywood exist, there will be a Forbidden, poking, prodding, teasing, pleasing, jeering and cheering, but always with love."

Check out www.forbiddenbroadway.com to find out more about the show and where you can catch another performance. Next up at Clowes Hall, on April 25, 2008, is a performance by jazz greats, Bobby McFerrin, Chick Corea, and Jack DeJohnette. Tickets are available online at www.cloweshall.org.